5GC N3IWF, Non-3GPP InterWorking Function ∣ IPLOOK

N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)

N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function) is responsible for connecting untrusted non-3GPP access network to 5GC. UE and N3IWF establish an IPSec tunnel, N3IWF connects to the User Plane and Control Plane of 5GC through N2 interface and N3 interface separately.
N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)
Key Benefits
Support both 3GPP access network and non-3GPP access network
Support both 3GPP access network and non-3GPP access network
Flexible and balanced traffic load scheduling
Flexible and balanced traffic load scheduling
Support satellite access
Support satellite access
High traffic transmission
High traffic transmission
5GC Integrated with Satellite Technology
The core network of satellite communication system adopts the same architecture as the ground 5GC. The network functions located in the control plane provide service functions through service-based interfaces, and other network functions can reuse the service functions of a certain network function.
In addition to the basic services provided by 3GPP, in order to support the integration with the ground, it is necessary to add N3IWF network functions on the user plane of 5G Satellite Core Network:
Support the establishment of IPSec Security Association (IPsec SA) with UE, forward the NAS signal of uplink and downlink control plane between UE and AMF, forward packets of uplink anddownlink user plane between UE and UPF, perform N3 packet marking corresponding to QoS, and perform local mobile anchor function in non 3GPP access network.
 
N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)
Features 
 
Comply to  3GPP R15/R16 Standards
Interface Function
»  N2 Interface
»  N3 Interface
»  Web Server
Support the establishment of IPSec tunnel with UE
Provide NWU interface using IKEv2 / IPSec protocol
Forwards UE authentication information to the core network through N2 interface
Forward the uplink and downlink N1 messages (NAS signalling) between UE and AMF
Establish IPSec Security Association (IPSec SA) to forward PDU session user data
Process N2 session / QoS PDU control plane messages sent from SMF
Forward the uplink and downlink data between UE and UPF
Encoding / decoding of IPSec and N3 data
Support the QoS control of N3 interface
Support N3 uplink packet marking
Support local anchors
Support AMF selection
Open Northbound interface and graphical web based management interface
»  RESTful
»  API
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The core network, as a key anchor point for network differentiation and operation, has emerged as a more important network in the 5G era, providing the ability to deploy network functions and resources on-demand to meet the diverse business needs of future vertical industries.
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AUSF: As a major part of 5GC to facilitate security processes, AUSF performs the authentication function of identifying UEs and storing authentication keys.
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• Accesses subscription information for policy decisions taken by the UDR.
• Supports the new 5G QoS policy and charging control functions.
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Tell us your business needs, and we' ll find the perfect solution.
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